How to win: DBT Business Support Service

About this contract

DBT requires a supplier to deliver the Business Support Service (BSS). The service will supplement guidance available on gov.uk. and is a key part of DBT’s Business Growth Service. The BSS should provide information, advice, guidance, and signposting on any business issue for any kind of business, charity or social enterprise, including pre-startups and start-ups, in England. This should be via multiple channels, including telephone, webchat, email, social media, and instant messenger (e.g. WhatsApp) and delivered through several tiers of adviser support. The BSS will need to curate a database of business information for adviser and external use. With 24 hours notice the service will need the ability to stand up emergency scale up support for businesses, should DBT request. The service will not need to deliver a digital front-end or website but will need flexibility to be able to contribute to, or integrate with, any similar delivery undertaken by government. The contract is structured as a two-year offer with the option to extend for up to two further one-year periods (2+1+1). The initial contract value is £5 million. Any future extensions are subject to budget approval.

How to win contracts like this

• ✓Answer against the marking scheme, not the question text — Department for Business & Trade scores each response, so map your evidence to the published criteria and weightings.
• ✓At £8,333,333.33, expect quality and social value to carry a large share of the score — price alone rarely wins services work.
• ✓Show recent, comparable delivery: name similar services contracts you've delivered for public bodies, with measurable outcomes.
• ✓Start early: deadlines are tight and a strong bid takes iteration.

BidWriter drafts your responses from your company profile, scores them against the marking scheme, and tracks your whole pipeline. Free to start — no card needed.

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